“There are around 350 churchwardens in the Diocese of Guildford who take on huge responsibilities, all on a voluntary basis. It is a deep privilege to serve alongside such able, gifted and committed
volunteers. We are immensely grateful for all that they are and do, and we value our partnership with them very much indeed.”The Ven Martin Breadmore, Archdeacon of Dorking
The Ven Catharine Mabuza, Archdeacon of Surrey
Churchwarden essentials
Every churchwarden needs the Churchwarden Handbook. It contains all the information you’ll need for your role as strategic leaders alongside your incumbent.
Vacancies
If your incumbent leaves the parish, the Churchwarden takes on additional responsibilities for a while and therefore needs additional support. When this happens, your Archdeacon will provide you with a Parish Vacancy Pack, which will be your guide and reference document for what needs to happen. Your Archdeacon will also be available for any specific queries.
Visitation Services
Each Churchwarden must also attend a Visitation Service, which run annually, where they will be authorised in their role by an Archdeacon. A Churchwarden can attend any one of the Visitation Services in either Archdeaconry. All services take place at 7.30pm and you do not need to book a place. However, you must sign in on arrival so to record your attendance.
This year's Visitations have taken place. We will list 2027 Visitations in due course.
Churchwarden Yearbook 2026 Order Form (pdf)
Churchwarden Yearbook 2026 Order Form (word)
Churchwarden Certificate 2026 (to be completed following the APCM)
Churchwarden Declaration 2026
Training
- Annual training morning for all Churchwardens | Saturday 21 November 9.15am - 1pm at St John's Church, Egham TW20 9HR
Booking forms for training events will be available nearer the time.
You can find the slides from this year’s Churchwarden’s Introductory Training here.
Do also browse the Training and learning pages for all kinds of courses for church leaders.
Other useful pages and links
- Sign up to the local Churchwardens' forum - for support from a network of peers
- Buildings and churchyards
- Clergy – for wellbeing and HR information
- Clergy on call - for clergy cover
- Safeguarding training